Namibia Tourism to introduce new bill

Spot fines, tourist guide licensing and safeguarding tourists are among the proposed amendments to the NTB Bill 2009, under discussion at a series of workshops in April.

Other proposed amendments to the bill include:

· Introducing trusteeship duties and responsibilities for the Board to nurture corporate governance and having an Audit Committee and Remuneration Committee as two standing committees of the Board.

· The appointment of auditors to ensure that the books of registered clients are audited and proper levies are declared to the NTB.

· Allowing the Board to recruit more staff on a part-time basis to expand the inspectorate staff.

· The introduction of annual renewal fees to increase NTB’s budget income

The new bill will replace the Namibia Tourism Board Act, 2000 (Act 21 of 2000), mandating the registration of accommodation establishments and regulated businesses that was not considered successful enough to implement.

A copy of the draft of the new Bill can be downloaded at www.namibiatourism.com.na.